WU Scores Twice in First Half, as Bearcats Shut Out Linfield, 2-0

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Junior forwards Kelsey Rogel (Tacoma, WA/Bellarmine Prep) and Lauren Miller (Portland, OR/Grant HS/Northwestern State, La.) scored goals just 1:01 apart in the first half, sending Willamette University on its way to a 2-0 win over visiting Linfield College in a Northwest Conference game on Sunday, Oct. 28. The victory at Sparks Field, upped Willamette's record to 6-9-2 overall, 5-7-2 (17 points) in the NWC, as the Bearcats moved past Linfield into fifth place in the conference standings. Linfield fell to 6-9-2 on the season, 5-8-1 (16 points) in the NWC.

The Bearcats and the Wildcats played a relatively even first half, until WU scored both of its goals in the final 10 minutes of the period. Rogel put the first goal on the scoreboard at 35:54 on a 13-yard shot. She moved past a defender, then took the ball into the middle of the penalty area, where she had only the goalie to beat.

Miller tacked on the second goal with a shot from 8-yards out that went into the lower right corner of the goal. Kelsey Priest (Jr., D/MF, Portland, OR/Beaverton HS) passed the ball from the midfield into the penalty area. Miller outraced a Linfield defender to get to the ball, then shot past Hasselblad. Priest received an assist on the play.

It was Miller's 10th goal of the season and fourth of the week. She scored a three-goal hat trick on Tuesday, Oct. 23, in Willamette's 3-0 win at Lewis & Clark College.

Linfield's best chance came with 1:32 remaining in the game. The Wildcats sent the ball near the six-yard goalie box, where two Linfield players were guarded by two Willamette players. Unable to get a shot, one of the Linfield attackers tipped the ball out to Kim Skelly, who shot from about 13 yards. Her attempt was moving toward the left post, but a Willamette defender deflected the shot about seven yards from the goal line and sent the ball upfield.

Willamette achieved 13 total shots, while Linfield had 10 shots. The Bearcats held a 7-3 edge in shots at halftime, with four of WU's shots occurring in the final 10 minutes of the opening period. Both teams earned five shots on goal during the game.

The Wildcats held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks. Three of Linfield's corners were in the first half and three of Willamette's were in the second half.

The game was played with both teams supplying aggressive, but clean play. Linfield finished the game with 15 fouls, while the Bearcats were called for 14 fouls.

Willamette closes out the season next weekend with two Northwest Conference games. On Friday, Nov. 2, the Bearcats will travel to Forest Grove, Ore., to take on Pacific University. Game time is set for 11 a.m. (PDT). Willamette will host Pacific Lutheran University on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Sparks Field, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. (PDT).